Women in Policing (From What Works in Policing: Operations and Administration Examined, P 125-142, 1992, Gary W Cordner and Donna C Hale, eds. -- See NCJ-132805)

• NCJ Number: 132813
• Author(s): D C Hale
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: Anderson Publishing Co
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The attitudes of male police officers and supervisors have been the main obstacle faced by female police in their patrol work and should be addressed through specific measures designed to accomplish complete gender integration in police agencies.

Abstract

Research on police performance has clearly shown that male and female police officers are comparable in their performance and that females are perceived by the public as equally effective, except in the handling of violent or confrontational situations. However, sex role stereotypes remain a major barrier to women seeking law enforcement careers. Actions that would overcome these barriers would include increased training focusing on physical training and self-defense, the use of role playing of responses to violent confrontation, more rigorous supervision of backup officers, sensitivity training to modify the male-oriented environment of the police department, commitment by top management, and affirmative action programs with formal goals and guidelines. Notes and 78 references